Three dozen injured in Kashmir clashes

SRINAGAR - More than three dozen people were injured across the Kashmir Valley as stone pelting protestors clashed with the security forces after the Friday prayers.

In Srinagar city, clashes between protesters and the security force erupted in Hyderpora, Ompora, Humhama, Fateh Kadal, Bemina and some other places, while violence was also reported in north Kashmir’s Handwara, Kralpora, Bandipora and Kupwara towns.

Large protests were carried out by anti-India slogan shouting crowds in Khanpora, Khajabagh and old town areas of north Kashmir’s Baramulla town.

Clashes also occurred immediately after the Friday prayers in Palhalan town of Baramulla district where police said somebody fired at the Station House Officer (SHO) from the crowd.

“The officer was immediately evacuated for specialized treatment to Srinagar,” a senior police officer said here.

Police and protester clashes also occurred at Chatpora village of Pulwama district where a woman suffered head injuries.

“She was shifted to the local hospital where doctors attending on her said she was out of danger,” said a police officer in Pulwama town.

Protesters also took to the roads in Pampora, Dadsara and Anantnag towns.

Police used batons and tear smoke shells to disperse the mobs.

Reports said over three dozen persons, including security men, were injured in the clashes.

Authorities had imposed restrictions in Srinagar and other places in the Kashmir Valley Friday to scuttle a separatist march and protests called against the alleged human rights violations by security forces.

The hardline Hurriyat group, headed by Syed Ali Geelani, had called for a march to Khanqah-i-Moula mosque area in the Old city and post Friday prayer protests across the valley.

“In order to prevent damage to civilian life and property, restrictions had been imposed in Old City area,” a police officer said here.

Geelani, who had been lodged in a hut in the high-security Chashma Shahi area after he was arrested last month under the Public Safety Act (PSA), was shifted to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) here Thursday for treatment.

The ruling National Conference, in its working committee resolution Thursday, urged the state government to release all political leaders.

Shops, educational institutions, banks and other business establishments remained closed in areas under restrictions in the valley while public transport went off roads.

The valley has been virtually paralysed due to violent protests against civilians being killed in firing by security forces. Fourteen people, including a 25-year old woman, have been killed in firing by security personnel across the Kashmir Valley since June 11.

The army was called in to help maintain law and order as the violence spiralled.